Activities within the Five (5) Costar Project Phases

RANCHO SIMI RECREATION and PARK DISTRICT

WELCOME TO THE SIMI VALLEY 50+ HIKING CLUB

NOTE: All hikes will be on Mondays.

All hikes will start at 8:30 a.m. unless otherwise noted

Carpools will depart at 8:00 a.m.

2011 – 2012 HIKING SCHEDULE

Hiking boots, hiking pole(s), sun protection (including sunglasses and a hat), snacks, and adequate drinking water are strongly recommended.

Stan Kalsman – 50+ Recreation Coordinator and Hiking Co-leader – Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District Phone: (805) 583-6059 E-mail: seniors@rsrpd.us

Les Wilson – Hiking Co-leader (volunteer) E-mail: les.wilson@roadrunner.com

October 3, 2011 – Las Llajas Canyon[1] – Easy-to-moderate 5 miles RT[2]

w/400’ of elevation gain/loss

The trail follows a wide graded dirt fire road along a seasonal stream on the canyon floor (it crosses the streambed 3 times). The midpoint of the hike will be 2.5 miles from the trailhead with a total elevation gain/loss of 400’. NOTE: If anyone wants a moderate hike of 7 miles (total) with an elevation gain/loss of 600’, one of the hiking leaders will accompany you to the Poe Ranch gate which is about 3.5 miles from the trailhead.

DIRECTIONS: In Simi Valley, take Highway 118 to Yosemite Avenue; drive 1.2 miles north to Evening Sky Drive (at the stop sign); turn right (east) on Evening Sky Drive; drive 0.5 mile (through a stop sign) until you see the gated paved entrance to the canyon on the left (there are signs); park on either side of Evening Sky Drive and wait for the hiking leader(s).

NOTE: Please be at the trailhead by 8:30 a.m.

October 17, 2011 – Stagecoach Trail[3] - 5 Points – Moderate 3.5-mile

loop w/500’ of elevation gain/loss

The hike begins in Simi Valley along Lilac Lane near the top of the Stagecoach Trail. It follows a trail north to Santa Susana Pass Road, then heads east and south to overlooks of the San Fernando Valley, after which it heads southwest to the Stagecoach Trail, down it to the 1939 marker placed by the Native Daughters of the Golden West, then back up to the trailhead.

DIRECTIONS: In Simi Valley, take Highway 118 to the Kuehner Drive exit; drive south 2.8 miles on Kuehner Drive (the name changes to Santa Susana Pass Road along the way) as it climbs eastward to Lilac Lane [after you pass the Box Canyon turn-off, but before you reach Rocky Peak Road]; turn right (south) on Lilac Lane and drive 0.25 mile to a dirt parking area that is available on the left (east) side of the road. Park and wait for the hiking leader(s).

NOTE: Please be at the trailhead by 8:30 a.m.

October 31, 2011 – Chivo Canyon[4] – Easy-to-moderate 4 miles RT

w/400’ of elevation gain/loss

The trail heads north from the small dam at the mouth of the canyon and then heads west up a side canyon. At the midpoint of the hike there is an excellent view of Tapo Canyon. The hike includes a loop in the side canyon and (given normal rainfall) lots of wildflowers in season. NOTE: If anyone wants a more challenging hike of 6 miles (total) with an additional elevation gain of ~700’, one of the hiking leaders will accompany you further up Chivo Canyon and will then take the “Buckhorn Trail” which leads uphill to the dirt road atop the east ridge from which there are views of the entire area. The return route will head south along the ridge until the trail (a dirt road at that point) descends steeply to Cottonwood Drive.

DIRECTIONS: In Simi Valley, take Highway 118 to Yosemite Avenue; drive 1.9 miles north to Westwood Street; turn right (north) on Westwood Street; park in the first block, if possible, or along the north side of Copper Ridge Court (the first street on the right) and wait for the hiking leader(s). Please try to minimize the impact on the residents of the neighborhood. NOTE: Yosemite Avenue’s name changes to Cottonwood Drive just before Westwood Street.

NOTE: Please be at the trailhead by 8:30 a.m.

November 14, 2011 – Santa Rosa Valley Park[5] – Moderate 6.6-mile loop

w/700’ elevation gain/loss

This lollipop-loop hike begins at partially completed Santa Rosa Valley Park in the Hill Canyon Open Space just west of Wildwood Park. The trail immediately crosses 25-foot-wide Arroyo Conejo Creek which is flowing at a depth of 6” to 12” (therefore your feet will get wet). RECOMMENDATION: Wear the footwear you plan to use to cross the creek when the hike starts and then change into your regular hiking footwear as soon as you’ve crossed the creek [you’ll need a pack in which you can carry your creek-crossing footwear during the hike]. You should bring and use at least one hiking pole[6] when you cross the creek; the current can be swift.

DIRECTIONS: In Simi Valley, take Los Angeles Avenue west and then continue west (past the new Target store) as the name of the street changes to Tierra Rejada Road; drive 3.9 miles (passing under Hwy 23) to Moorpark Road; turn left (south) and drive 1.4 miles to Santa Rosa Road; turn right (west) and drive 3.7 miles to Hill Canyon Road; turn left and drive a short distance to the entrance to Santa Rosa Valley Park; turn right and drive into the dirt parking lot. Park and wait for the hiking leader(s).

NOTE: Please be at the trailhead by 8:30 a.m.

November 28, 2011 – Cheeseboro Canyon[7] Trail – Easy 4.8 miles RT

CAR POOL AVAILABLE – 8:00 a.m.

The hike follows an old ranch road along a streambed between ridges to the east and west. As it very gradually climbs northward, it passes through valley oak and coast live oak groves and grasslands. The midpoint of the hike will be 2.4 miles from the trailhead (at the junction with the Ranch Center Trail) with a 250’ elevation gain. NOTE: If anyone wants a longer moderate hike, one of the hiking leaders will accompany you further northward on the Cheeseboro Canyon Trail to Sulphur Springs (6.2 miles w/350’ total elevation gain/loss) or on to Shepherd’s Flat (8.5 miles w/550’ total elevation gain/loss), if car pooling allows.

DIRECTIONS IF CAR POOLING: In Simi Valley, take Highway 118 to the Sycamore Drive exit; drive south on Sycamore Drive 1.0 mile to the Sycamore Drive Community Center at 1692 Sycamore Drive (it’s on the left/east); park in the parking lot.

NOTE: Please be at the Community Center by 8:00 a.m.

DIRECTIONS IF NOT CAR POOLING: In Simi Valley, take Highway 118 west to Highway 23; take Highway 23 south to Highway 101; take Highway 101 7.5 miles “south” (toward L.A.) to the Chesebro Road exit; turn left (north) on Palo Comado Canyon Road to cross over Hwy 101, then turn right on Chesebro Road; drive 0.8 mile to the entrance (on your right) to the parking area; turn right and drive 0.2 mile up to the large main parking lot; park your vehicle and wait for the hiking leader(s). NOTE: Please be at the trailhead by 8:45 a.m.

December 12, 2011 – Devil Canyon[8] – Moderate 5 miles RT

w/400’ elevation gain/loss

The trail leads down into Devil Canyon, north of Chatsworth, and then follows the shady creek upstream along what’s left of the old Devil Canyon Motorway. It reaches a junction with the Ybarra Canyon trail at a large dam and then continues on upstream. The midpoint of the hike will be 2.5 miles from the trailhead. NOTE: If anyone wants a moderate hike of 7 miles (total) with an elevation gain of 600’, one of the hiking leaders will accompany you on up the canyon.

DIRECTIONS: In Simi Valley, take Highway 118 east to the Topanga Canyon Blvd exit; when exiting get in the left lane on the exit ramp; turn left (north) and get in the right lane as you drive under Hwy 118. Turn left (west) on Poema Place and drive 0.25 mile uphill as the road curves northward to the second driveway on the right into Summerset Village (11500 to 11524 North Poema Place). Park on either side of Poema Place [NOT in Summerset Village] and wait for the hiking leader(s).

NOTE: Please arrive at Poema Place by 8:30 a.m.

January 9, 2012 – Calabasas Peak[9] via “The Secret Trail[10]”

Moderate 4.2 miles RT w/800’ elevation gain/loss CAR POOL AVAILABLE – 8:00 a.m.

The Calabasas Cold Creek Trail [aka “The Secret Trail”] initially heads south through an oak woodland and then crosses a ridge to the east and rises to meet the Calabasas Motorway. The hike then follows the fire road southward to the short trail leading to Calabasas Peak (2,129’) which affords a panoramic view of the area including interesting sandstone formations.

NOTE: Please be at the Community Center by 8:00 a.m.

DIRECTIONS IF NOT CAR POOLING: In Simi Valley, take Highway 118 to Madera Road; take Madera Road 4.8 miles south and west [past Wood Ranch where the road’s name changes to Olsen Road] to Highway 23; drive south on Hwy 23 4.5 miles to Highway 101; drive east (toward L.A.) 10.25 miles on Highway 101 to Las Virgenes Road; drive south (toward the ocean) 3.25 miles on Las Virgenes Road to Mulholland Highway; turn left (east) onto Mulholland Highway, drive 5.7 miles [passing by Stunt Road at 4.0 miles] and then park along Mulholland Highway near the signed trailhead which is on the right (east) side of the road. Park, walk to the trailhead, and wait for the hiking leader(s).

NOTE: Please be at the trailhead by 9:00 a.m.

January 23, 2012 – Malibu Creek State Park[11] – Moderate 5.4 miles RT

CAR POOL AVAILABLE – 8:00 a.m.

The trail begins at the former [Ronald] Reagan Ranch and heads through rolling grassland and woods to Century Lake and the M.A.S.H site. Wildlife that might be seen in the area includes great blue herons, mallard ducks, American coots, turtles, and fish. Elevation gain of ~800’.

NOTE: Please be at the Community Center by 8:00 a.m.

DIRECTIONS IF NOT CAR POOLING: In Simi Valley, take Highway 118 west to Highway 23; take Highway 23 south to Highway 101; take Highway 101 6.25 miles “south” (toward L.A.) to the Kanan Road exit; turn right (south) on Kanan Road and drive 1/3 (one-third) mile to Cornell Road (there’s a sign); veer left onto Cornell Road and drive 2.25 miles to Mulholland Highway; continue through the intersection 120 yards and then turn left, park in the dirt/gravel parking lot on the left, and wait for the hiking leader(s).

NOTE: Please be at the trailhead by 8:45 a.m.

February 6, 2012 – Rosewood Trail[12] to Angel Vista – Moderate 4.5

miles RT with 825’ of elevation gain/loss

The hike will begin by crossing Lynn Road at the Ventu Park Road intersection and then walking westward along the sidewalk to the lower trailhead (just before reaching Regal Oak Court). The trail begins by heading south along a shaded seasonal stream. After 0.3 mile the trail begins rising steadily up the chaparral-covered mountain via switchbacks along the wide well-maintained trail. Soon the hiker is rewarded with ever-expanding views of the Conejo Valley. The trail eventually ends at Angel Vista which provides excellent views of Hidden Valley, Boney Mountain, and the Conejo Valley. A picnic table with two benches and a nearby memorial bench are provided.

DIRECTIONS: In Simi Valley, take Highway 118 west to Highway 23; take Highway 23 south to Highway 101; drive 2.75 miles “north” (toward Newbury Park) to the Ventu Park Road exit; turn left and drive over Hwy 101 heading south 0.6 mile to Lynn Road; turn right (west) and drive 0.1 mile to Susan Drive (the “Additional Parking” entrance to the Stagecoach Inn Museum); turn right (north) and park next to a park with a beautiful grass lawn.

NOTE: Please be at the Susan Drive parking lot by 8:30 a.m.

February 27, 2012 – Solstice Canyon[13] – Moderate 4 miles RT with 700’

of elevation gain/loss

CAR POOL AVAILABLE – 8:00 a.m.

The loop hike begins on the Rising Sun Trail and climbs steadily up the eastern canyon wall providing ever-improving views of the canyon and the surrounding mountains. The trail then descends to heavily shaded Tropical Terrace, the ruins of the Roberts home which was built along Solstice Creek in the 1950s and was destroyed by wildfire in 1982. The stone courtyard, garden terraces, stairways, and exotic tropical plants still remain. Year-round Solstice Canyon Falls is located a short distance upstream from the ruins. The return to the parking lot follows the shady Solstice Canyon Trail (a dirt road) downstream along the creek.

NOTE: Please be at the Community Center by 8:00 a.m.

DIRECTIONS IF NOT CAR POOLING: In Simi Valley, take Highway 118 west to Highway 23; take Highway 23 south to Highway 101; take Highway 101 10 miles “south” (toward L.A.) to the Las Virgenes Road exit; then head south (toward the ocean) approximately 9.6 miles on Las Virgenes Road (the name changes to Malibu Canyon Road after a few miles) to Pacific Coast Highway; turn right (west) and drive 2.3 miles to Corral Canyon Road and turn right (there’s a Union 76 station just past the turnoff). After turning onto Corral Canyon Road, continue 0.2 mile to the gated entrance (which will be open) on the left; turn left and drive 0.3 mile to the parking lot at road’s end. Park your vehicle and wait for the hiking leader(s).

NOTE: Please be at the trailhead by 9:00 a.m.

March 12, 2012 – Wildwood Park[14] – Moderate 4.5 miles RT w/700’

elevation gain/loss

The loop hike follows the Mesa Trail to the Stagecoach Bluff Trail to the Lizard Rock Trail to the Wildwood Canyon Trail to Paradise Falls and then to the Indian Creek Trail. Most of the second half of the trail is shaded and the falls are spectacular (given normal annual rainfall).

DIRECTIONS: In Simi Valley, take Highway 118 to Madera Road; take Madera Road south past Wood Ranch where the road’s name changes to Olsen Road; continue on Olsen road under Highway 23 and then past California Lutheran University; about 1.5 miles beyond the university, turn right (west) on Avenida de los Arboles (Olsen Road’s name changes to Lynn Road just before you turn); drive 0.8 mile and turn left into the large dirt parking lot; park your vehicle and wait for the hiking leader(s).

NOTE: Please be at the trailhead by 8:30 a.m.

March 26, 2012 – Escondido Canyon Park[15] – Moderate 3.7 miles RT

w/500’ elevation gain/loss

CAR POOL AVAILABLE – 8:00 a.m.

The hike will begin from the parking lot just northwest of the junction of East Winding Way and Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1). The first 0.8 mile will be northeast along East Winding Way past beautiful homes, providing the hiker with ocean views. Then the Escondido Falls trail drops into heavily shaded Escondido Canyon and crosses the creek five times on its way to the lower fall (part of a 200’ multi-tiered cataract) which tumbles 50’ into a shallow pool, cascading off limestone cliffs into a mossy fern grotto. The 150’ upper fall is on private property.

NOTE: Please be at the Community Center by 8:00 a.m.

DIRECTIONS IF NOT CAR POOLING: In Simi Valley, take Highway 118 west to Highway 23; take Highway 23 south to Highway 101; take Highway 101 6.25 miles “south” (toward L.A.) to the Kanan Road exit; head south (toward the ocean) approximately 12.5 miles on Kanan Road to Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1); turn left (east) on Pacific Coast Highway and drive 1.4 miles to (East) Winding Way [not West Winding Way]; turn left (north) on (East) Winding Way and immediately enter the signed parking lot on the left (west) side of (East) Winding Way. Park your vehicle and wait for the hiking leader(s).

NOTE: Please be at the trailhead by 9:00 a.m.

April 9, 2012 – Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa to the Danielson Cabin/

Monument[16] – Moderate 6.0 miles RT w/800’ of elevation

gain/loss

The hike starts near the Satwiwa Cultural Center and a replica Chumash lodge at Rancho Sierra Vista and heads by a large meadow to the Boney Mountain Trail which leads past a waterfall to the Danielson Monument (he donated his land) and the old Danielson cabin site.

DIRECTIONS: In Simi Valley, take Highway 118 west to Highway 23; take Highway 23 south to Highway 101; drive 4.5 miles “north” (toward Newbury Park) to the Wendy Drive exit; turn left and drive over Hwy 101 heading south 2.3 miles to Lynn Road; turn right (west) and drive 1.7 miles to Via Goleta and the signed entrance to the park on the left; turn left and drive to the parking lot at the end of the road and park.

NOTE: Please be at the trailhead by 8:30 a.m.

April 23, 2012 – Charmlee Wilderness Park[17] – Moderate 3.5 mile-loop

CAR POOL AVAILABLE – 8:00 a.m.

This area (also known as the Charmlee Natural Area) overlooks Malibu and the Pacific Ocean on its south side. It contains live oak woodlands, coastal sage scrub, and grassy meadows. The hike follows the Botany Trail to the Fire Ecology Trail to an ocean overlook, then other trails to an old reservoir and the ruins of the original ranch house. The total elevation gain/loss is ~600’.

NOTE: Please be at the Community Center by 8:00 a.m.

DIRECTIONS IF NOT CAR POOLING: In Simi Valley, take Highway 118 west to Highway 23; take Highway 23 south to Highway 101; head “south” (toward Los Angeles) 2.25 miles to the Westlake Blvd exit. Then drive south (toward the ocean) on Westlake Blvd (Hwy 23); drive 5.4 miles to its junction with Mulholland Highway; stay on the right [don’t turn left]; drive 1.8 miles to where the road splits into Decker Canyon Road (Hwy 23) to the left and Mulholland Highway to the right; stay to the left [don’t turn right]; drive 0.8 mile and turn left (on Lechusa Road) at the road sign stating “1 mile to Charmlee Wilderness Park”). NOTE: Lechusa Road merges into Encinal Canyon Road 0.1 mile from its junction with Decker Canyon Road. Drive 1.3 miles toward the ocean and turn right into Charmlee Wilderness Park (there’s a sign, but it would be easy to drive past it due to the road curving to the left). Drive 0.25 mile to the parking lot on the right, park, and wait for the hiking leader(s).

NOTE: Please be at the trailhead by 8:45 a.m.

NOTE: Be sure to pay the $4.00 parking fee at the “Iron Ranger” in the parking lot.

May 7, 2012 – Long Canyon Trail[18]/Oak Canyon Trail

Moderate 4-mile loop RT w/500’ of elevation gain/loss

The hike begins at the Long Canyon trailhead on the south side of Wood Ranch. The trail ascends 400’ in the first 0.7 mile (from there the trail is mostly downhill or nearly level). The trail heads eastward along old dirt ranch roads to the shady Oak Canyon Trail which follows a seasonal stream downstream until it meets the Montgomery Canyon trailhead. The remainder of the hike is along the pleasant Long Canyon Road. NOTE: If anyone wants a more challenging hike of 5 ½ miles (total) with an additional elevation gain of ~400’, one of the hiking leaders will accompany you on the Montgomery Canyon trail which rises to and descends from a ridge that affords views to the west; in this option, most of the Oak Canyon Trail will be skipped.

DIRECTIONS: In Simi Valley, take Madera Road to Wood Ranch Parkway; drive south on Wood Ranch Parkway until it ends at Long Canyon Road; turn right (west), then immediately turn left into the parking lot. NOTE: Please be at the trailhead by 8:30 a.m.

May 21, 2012 – La Jolla Canyon to La Jolla Valley[19] – Moderate 4.7

miles RT w/800’ of elevation gain/loss

CAR POOL AVAILABLE – 8:00 a.m.

The trail heads north through La Jolla Canyon in Point Mugu State Park, rising past a seasonal waterfall and a pool surrounded by large boulders; the yellow blossoms of giant coreopsis plants adorn the eastern canyon wall in season. A side trail passes a large pond, eventually reaching the La Jolla Valley Fire Road and a walk-in campground (our turnaround point) on a vast plateau with sweeping grasslands ringed by various mountain peaks.

NOTE: Please be at the Community Center by 8:00 a.m.

DIRECTIONS IF NOT CAR POOLING: In Simi Valley, take Highway 118 west to Highway 23, then south to Highway 101, then “north” on Hwy 101 12.5 miles to the Las Posas Road exit in Camarillo. Then drive south (toward the ocean) 7.2 miles to Pacific Coast Highway (PCH aka Hwy 1) [the on-ramp is on the ocean side of the bridge that crosses PCH at that point]. Then drive 4.2 miles “south” (toward Los Angeles) on PCH to the entrance (on the inland side of the road) to La Jolla Canyon. Turn left (north) and drive into the parking lot; pay the “Iron Ranger” the parking fee (about $11.00) [or park along Pacific Coast Highway and walk in to avoid paying the parking fee]; then wait for the hiking leader(s).

NOTE: Please be at the trailhead by 9:00 a.m.

June 4, 2012 – Temescal Gateway Park[20] – Moderate 4.5-mile loop with

a 900’ elevation gain/loss

CAR POOL AVAILABLE – 8:00 a.m.

The trail begins in the lower parking lot near Sunset Blvd. It consists of a figure-8 loop that follows Temescal Creek along the bottom of Temescal Canyon and then passes a waterfall as it rises to provide a 360-degree view of the city, the coastline, and the surrounding mountains.

NOTE: Please be at the Community Center by 8:00 a.m.

DIRECTIONS IF NOT CAR POOLING: In Simi Valley, take Highway 118 east to Topanga Canyon Blvd; then drive south 20 miles to Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) and turn left (east); drive 1.4 miles “south” to Sunset Blvd and turn left; drive 3.8 miles to Temescal Canyon Road; turn left and drive into Temescal Gateway Park; park in the lot immediately on your left. NOTE: Be sure to pay the parking fee at the “Iron Ranger” in the parking lot [or park along Sunset Blvd and walk in to the parking lot to avoid paying the parking fee].

NOTE: Please be at the trailhead by 9:00 a.m.
June 18, 2012 – Sycamore Cove[21] to Serrano Canyon[22]/Valley

Moderate 6 miles RT w/500’ elevation/gain loss

CAR POOL AVAILABLE – 8:00 a.m.

The hike will begin and end in the parking lot at Sycamore Cove next to the beach [where the picnic has occurred for the past four years and will again this year]. The hike will head north through the Big Sycamore Canyon Campground and then about a mile along the Big Sycamore Canyon Fire Road to the junction with the Serrano Canyon Trail [on which bicycles are not allowed]. The trail will then head east through the lovely shaded canyon to beautiful Serrano Valley (the turnaround point).

A catered lunch ($5.00 fee) will be set up at Sycamore Cove on shaded picnic tables overlooking the beach with a great view of the ocean.

NOTE: YOU MUST REGISTER (and pay Stan the $5.00 fee) FOR THIS OUTING

NO LATER THAN JUNE 13, 2012 (but no earlier than May 21, 2012)

NOTE: Please be at the Community Center by 8:00 a.m.

DIRECTIONS IF NOT CAR POOLING: In Simi Valley, take Highway 118 west to Highway 23, then south to Highway 101, then “north” on Hwy 101 12.5 miles to the Las Posas Road exit in Camarillo. Then drive south (toward the ocean) 7.2 miles to Pacific Coast Highway (PCH aka Hwy 1) [the on-ramp is on the ocean side of the bridge that crosses PCH at that point]. Then drive 5.8 miles “south” (toward Los Angeles) on PCH to the parking entrance (on the ocean side of the road) to Sycamore Cove [it’s almost directly across PCH from the parking entrance to the Big Sycamore Canyon Campground]. If there’s a human parking-fee-taker, pay her/him; otherwise, pay the “Electronic Ranger” [machine] at the entrance [or park along Pacific Coast Highway and walk in to the parking lot to avoid paying the parking fee (about $11.00].

Please be at the parking lot at Sycamore Cove by 9:00 a.m.

[2] RT = Round trip (the total distance of the hike)

[4] Chivo Canyon – “chivo” means “goat” in Spanish

[5] Santa Rosa Valley Park – http://www.santarosavalley.com/news – Refer to the 2011-01-05 posting.

[6] Hiking pole – Walmart stores have been selling SwissGear hiking poles for around $13.00 each.

[9] Calabasas Peak [from the Stunt Road trailhead] – http://www.examiner.com/outdoor-recreation-in-los-angeles/hiking-calabasas-peak NOTE: This is NOT the route that will be taken to the peak.

[16] Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa to the Danielson Monument – http://www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/rsvsatwiwa.htm

[18] Long Canyon Trail – http://www.rsrpd.org/park/longcanyontrail/longcanyontrailmaps.html